MINE SEALED UP.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 818, 16 May 1910, Page 5

MINE SEALED UP.

HEAT MELTS RESCUERS' HELMETS. MAT) RUSH TO PIT-GATES. (Bee. May 15, 5 p.m.) London, May 14. A special rescue party from Newcastle, Tankorsley, and Sheffield, using safety apparatus, approached within 130 yds. of tho fire. The dense heat made their metal, helmets unbearable. They wore the latest "inico" apparatus, with oxygen regulator, and could have penetrated farther but for the extreme heat There was also danger of a further explosion. They were unable, owing to the smoke, to see their electric torches. Experts state that it is impossible that any of the entombed men still remain alive. It will probably bo two months before the workings are unsealed. Believing that the abandonment of rescue efforts was hasty, 2000 people, including lnimy women, held an inflammatory mcetiug at Whitohaven. In consequonce of an unfounded statement being circulated that the pit had been reopened, a rush was made to the pit gates. 'Die police had great difficulty in frustrating tho rush, and preventing serious consequences. BEREAVED ONES NOW CALMER. "NO ONE ALIVE." MESSAGE FROM KING GEORGE. (Rec. May 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 14. Of the 133 victims of the Wellington colliery disaster, SS are married, and they leave 1250 orphans. One family of eight is wiped out. The Chief Inspector of Mines to-day declared that nobody was alive, . and that any attempt to penetrate the sealed workings would involve the loss of the lives of rescuers. The Home Secretary, M; - . AYinston Churchill, thereupon telegraphed to Wliitehavcn:' "Cannot sanction re-open-ing." The inhabitants are now more resigned, and silently acquiesce in the inevitable. King George, in a message to Whitehaven, expresses his deep grief at the terrible catastrophe, and his heartfelt sorrow for the wives and families. The Lord Mayor's relief fund excoeds J2OOO. THE MOTHER QUEEN'S SYMPATHY. (Eec. May 16,10.25 a.m.) London, May 15. The Mother Queen Alexandra, in telegraphing .£IOO to the Wdlington Pit Fund, snys:—"ln my crushm;; nrief lam not insensible to that of others. My heart Weeds for the beronvud widows and the members of the families of (he poor men wko have lost their lives."